Online reviews are like a flashing neon sign that tells potential customers: “Look at what we can do for you!” They make it impossible for online consumers to ignore your products and services. They clearly can set you apart as the business of choice in your industry.
Accumulating and managing customer feedback and ratings should be an important part of your digital advertising campaign for one simple reason: It’s more powerful than any ad you could run. The modern customer craves authenticity, and that’s something that only online reviews can deliver.
Here are three reasons you should focus on improving your company’s online ratings:
1. They Attract Visitors to Your Site
The first way that online reviews help increase your bottom line is by attracting higher volumes of traffic to your site. Continuously updating online reviews tells Google’s search algorithm that your website has fresh, new content.
Moz estimates that up to 10 percent of your search engine ranking depends on how many online reviews your business accumulates. The higher your ranking, the more website visitors you are likely to attract.
2. They Form Brand Perception
The impression your customer receives from your brand’s online presence matters. A sparse, outdated website and Google business listing with no reviews isn’t going to warrant a second look.
According to a survey by BrightLocal, 92 percent of consumers read online reviews. They aren’t an afterthought — they’re a central part of how your potential clients form their opinion of your company.
What’s your company’s star rating? That result is the top factor consumers judge your business by, according to the same study. The whole perception of your brand hinges on this result. You will miss out on 87 percent of consumer business if you only have a one- or two-star rating, because only 13 percent of customers will even consider you.
3. They Influence Purchasing Decisions
Finally, and probably most importantly, they are influential. In fact, 80 percent of consumers state that they trust objective digital ratings just as much as a personal recommendation from a friend or family member.
A little over half, 51 percent, will choose a local business based on its positive reviews. And when positive ratings lead customers to your door, you can expect an increase in sales. Consumers spend 31 percent more at a business that has excellent reviews.
Are You Paying Attention?
Encouraging feedback from your customers and monitoring consumer responses can be time-consuming. It’s a task that you’re beginning to learn is vitally important to your online marketing plan, but you don’t have the time and energy to spare.
What’s the solution?
Accrue Reviews takes the uncertainty out of managing online reviews. All you have to do is input basic customer contact information, then sit back and watch your ratings rise. Find a monthly plan that fits your business’ needs today.